Bayern Munich 3-2 Arsenal: Gunners throw away two-goal lead to suffer defeat in Champions League

Holders Arsenal were stunned in the Champions League as they squandered a two-goal lead to suffer a dramatic defeat by Bayern Munich.

Glodis Viggosdottir prodded home in the 86th minute to complete a remarkable second-half turnaround for the German hosts after a dominant first half from the Gunners.

Arsenal were in cruise control for the opening 45 minutes, needing just five minutes to open the scoring at Allianz Arena as goalkeeper Maria Grohs slapped Beth Mead’s low strike straight on to the head of Emily Fox, who nodded the rebound back into the net.

The visitors then took advantage of Stine Ballisager’s loose pass to double their lead in the 23rd minute, Mariona Caldentey firing home from the edge of the area after good hold-up play from Stina Blackstenius.

But the Gunners, who also hit the woodwork through Blackstenius, were made to rue their numerous first-half chances.

Bayern responded brilliantly as 18-year-old Alara Sehitler collected a Klara Buehl cross to slide the ball past Daphne van Domselaar on 67 minutes to inspire the comeback.

From there, the visitors capitulated as the home side’s substitutions paid off.

Pernille Harder lobbed the goalkeeper with a fine volley to level with 10 minutes left, before Buehl claimed a third assist, picking out defender Viggosdottir for a stretching finish for the winner.

Arsenal have made a stuttering start to their title defence, bouncing back from defeat by Lyon in the opening match to beat Benfica last time out.

But this loss will be a bitter blow, and particularly the way they relinquished control.

More to follow.